WIU comes in at No. 38 as one of the Midwest’s best regional universities

MACOMB/MOLINE, Ill. — Western Illinois University recently was recognized as a “Best Regional University in the Midwest” for 2024 by U.S. News and World Report.

WIU was ranked 38 out of 167 public and private colleges and universities on the “Best Regional Universities (Midwest)” list in the U.S. News and World Report 2023 rankings. Additionally, WIU is named one of only two public institutions in Illinois to make it to the top 50 of the Best Midwestern list.

Apart from the recognition as the “Best Midwestern” institution, WIU also has been acknowledged as a “Top Public School” (No. 10), “Best for Veterans School” (No. 18), “Best Value School” (No. 38) and “Top Performer on Social Mobility” (No. 36) in the Midwest region by U.S. News. The university is recognized for its undergraduate engineering programs, least amount of debt and highest proportion of classes under 20 students.

WIU President Guiyou Huang praised the faculty and staff for their dedication and commitment to ensure student success.

In a press release, Huang said, “We are an institution that believes in preparing students through knowledgeable faculty and skilled professionals to take on the world and challenges outside of the University. WIU is always adapting and changing to meet the workforce needs and provide students with the best education possible.”

The U.S. News Best Colleges ranking includes institutions offering undergraduate majors and master’s programs. The rankings are based on various measures, including graduation and retention rates, social mobility, faculty resources, expert opinion, financial resources, student excellence and alumni giving.